Monsoon Mayhem Hits Airports
Heavy rains and strong, gusty winds have wreaked havoc at two of India's busiest airports, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. On Sunday, severe weather led to temporary runway
suspensions, numerous flight diversions, and several outright cancellations. In Mumbai, operations were halted for an hour, leading to the diversion of 13 aircraft and the cancellation of four IndiGo flights. Meanwhile, Delhi saw 15 flights rerouted to nearby cities like Jaipur and Lucknow to avoid the storm. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport as disruptions are expected to continue.
Your Air Travel Alternatives
If your flight is cancelled, your first step should be to contact the airline. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), you are entitled to a choice between a full refund or an alternative flight. Given the widespread nature of the disruptions, securing a seat on the next available flight might be challenging. Consider booking with airlines that may have been less affected or explore flexible fare options that allow for easier changes. It is also wise to check flight statuses continuously via the airline's website or app before and on your travel day. Some airlines are proactively reaching out to affected passengers to offer rebooking options or process refunds.
Consider the Tracks: The Train Option
For those travelling between major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, or to cities connected from them, the Indian Railways network offers a reliable alternative. With air schedules in flux, booking a ticket on a premium train can be a comfortable and dependable option. Services like the Rajdhani Express or Tejas Express offer air-conditioned coaches and relatively fast transit times between major metropolitan areas. While last-minute train tickets can be difficult to secure, especially in higher classes, it's worth checking the IRCTC website or app for availability under the 'tatkal' quota for urgent travel. Planning ahead and booking a train journey, even as a backup, can provide peace of mind during this period of uncertainty.
On the Road: Buses and Cabs
For shorter distances or routes not well-served by trains, road travel is a viable Plan B. The network of national highways connecting Delhi and Mumbai to other cities in their respective regions is extensive. Modern overnight and daytime bus services offer a range of options, from standard carriers to premium sleeper coaches with air-conditioning and onboard amenities. These can be booked easily online through various travel portals. For more flexibility, app-based taxi services and traditional car rentals allow you to travel on your own schedule. While a longer journey compared to air or rail, road travel bypasses airport chaos entirely, putting you in control of your itinerary, which can be invaluable when flights are unreliable.
Know Your Passenger Rights
When an airline cancels your flight, it's crucial to know your rights as a passenger under rules enforced by the DGCA. If the airline cancels a flight without giving you at least 24 hours' notice, you are entitled to compensation in addition to a full refund or an alternate flight. The compensation amount can be up to ₹10,000, depending on the flight's block time. However, these rules generally do not apply if the cancellation is due to "extraordinary circumstances" outside the airline's control, which typically includes extreme weather. Even in such cases, airlines are obligated to offer a refund or rebooking. If you face a long delay at the airport, the airline is required to provide you with meals and refreshments. For overnight delays, hotel accommodation should be provided.
